The amendments to the South-East Plan proposed by the Secretary of State, in response to the Independent Panel Report on the draft prepared by the Regional Assembly, have increased the demand for additional new housing sites in South-East England by a further 4%, some 15% above the carefully prepared realistic targets put forward by the region's own experts.
Liberal Democrat MP, Norman Baker, has tabled a motion to Parliament calling for an alternative to the Oath of Allegiance to the Queen. And human rights lawyer Louise Christian is representing the campaign group "Republic" in its planned legal challenge to the oath. After election, MPs must swear an oath of allegiance "to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, her heirs and successors" or take a "solemn affirmation", in which they pledge to do the same, but without the words "I swear by Almighty God".
Women Lib Dems enjoyed their annual summer garden party, despite the rain on Saturday. The garden setting of Vice Chair, Miranda Whitehead just outside Fordingbridge in Hampshire was the setting, and thankfully the generous marquee saved the splendid spread of cakes and sandwiches from the rain.
The Hampshire Library service has lost one of its stars being downgraded from a two-star rating to a one star.
Liberal Democrat Janet Godden was disappointed that her motion raising concerns about the use of the electronic "mosquito" device to disperse groups of teenagers from public places was thrown out by the Tories at yesterday's Council meeting.
Tania Exley-Moore, Liberal Democrat PPC for Scarborough, has welcomed a new report setting out how more can be done to provide affordable homes and a vibrant economy in the English countryside.